GOP 101: Personnel makes all the difference

As we progress through this “GOP 101” set of articles it’s important to note that much of what we’re outlining here is rather simple, basic stuff. Cynics, on the other hand, will say that it’s wildly idealistic. A lot of political veterans who have presided over failure after failure will concur with the notion that what we’re proposing is unrealistic because of the nature of politics and the kind of people who gravitate into the political process.

What I’ve learned from studying history is that there hasn’t been much “evolution” in the nature of mankind. I’d like to suggest that the “nature of politics” isn’t any different than then nature of anything else. Marriage can be rough. The business world can be brutal. Competition can be stiff in most arenas where people care about the rewards.

Ask parents if it’s easy to raise kids. Ask entrepreneurs if it’s a slam dunk to create and/or expand a business. Ask a medical doctor if all patients do what they’re supposed to do and whether all diseased bodies respond to proven treatments.

Can we agree that life is no picnic and move on? Don’t tell me what’s not possible in politics or any other area of life when I’ve seen people succeed and great things accomplished. In case you didn’t know it, there was a time in this country when government was limited and traditional values, while not always followed, were certainly seen as the standard.

You should also know that the Republican Party isn’t a mess everywhere in this country. And there are actually honorable and accomplished politicians who are increasing public awareness about the necessity of both traditional mores and limited government.

There are even committed political activists who are convinced their cause is just and are willing to work for its success. Part of the reason for this series of essays is to remind people that the vast majority of those committed activists are working for Democrats — for the advance of a radical social agenda – and for increasing the power and control of government.

That’s why the Dems are making progress and the GOP is in “rebuilding mode.”

To restate my premise — I believe that the road to political success is not paved with the forming of yet more independent conservative organizations. While conservatives have been working outside of the party for thirty years building mailing lists, raising money, and renting ever more office space, Obama-Reid-Pelosi now run D.C., and Democrats run most state capitals.

The key to conservative victory isn’t found on the outside of the Republican Party but on the inside — by making it into what it can be with the help of dedicated people who haven’t succumbed to cynicism.

If you think all is lost now that another trillion dollars is on the way to filling the pockets of the tax eaters, then I only wish we could bring Ronald Reagan back so he can tell you what he thinks of you.

Wherever your ancestors came from — or whenever they came to this land – it’s a good guess that they had more fight in them than you do if you’re flying the white surrender flag. You’re not “more realistic” if you’re giving up. And you’re certainly not more realistic if you think victory can be achieved without the help of a lot of like-minded people.

It’s a good time to slap yourself. If you’re younger than 40, you need to start doing the math on just how much debt your elders are leaving to you — and pay attention to this thing called the social fabric.

If you’re older than 40, it’s time to choose sides. Do you want to be a part of the solution or are you content to stop listening to your conscience for the rest of your natural life?

If you’ve given up hope, let me suggest that you’re not exactly the kind of person the Republican Party needs. Right now we need fighters. We need optimists. We need people who are willing to admit what hasn’t worked. We need people willing to learn and try new approaches.

Some of those approaches aren’t actually new — they’re just new to an entire generation of people who have never engaged politically. We’ve covered the basics about what the local party organizations should and can accomplish. But it’s important to note that because the Republican Party is mostly a volunteer effort, good people will be needed who will attract other good people.

Without honest, competent, and professional leadership, we can’t expect high quality people to invest energy, time and money.

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“If by the liberty of the press were understood merely the liberty of discussing the propriety of public measures and political opinions, let us have as much of it as you please: But if it means the liberty of affronting, calumniating and defaming one another, I, for my part, own myself willing to part with my share of it.” —Benjamin Franklin (1789)